Azerbaijan is an important partner for the European Union.

Kanal24 reports citing neweasterneurope.eu that these words were told by Johannes Hahn, EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations.

Mr. Hahn mentioned that they want to upgrade our relationship and develop its full potential through a new bilateral agreement that replaces the current Partnership and Cooperation Agreement of 1996, reflecting the significant development of relations between the EU and Azerbaijan since then:

"This new agreement, for which there is still no name, will broaden and deepen the scope of our relations, based on shared fundamental values and principles and taking into account the new global, political and economic interests we share and challenges faced together. The agreement will cover political, sectoral, trade and economic relations."

The Commissioner also explained the position of the organization he represents in connection with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: "On the conflict our position is clear: the European Union fully supports the efforts of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs aimed at immediate consideration of measures to reduce tensions on the ground, as well as at the re-engagement of the parties in negotiations on substance, in good faith and with the necessary political will."